Divorce Cost Estimator for Franklin County, Missouri

Divorce Costs in Franklin County, Missouri

Divorce filings in Franklin County, Missouri are processed through the Franklin County Circuit Court, Family Division in Union, with filing fees starting at $133–$250. The total cost depends on whether your case is contested or uncontested, whether children are involved, and the complexity of property division.

For the full Missouri divorce cost breakdown, see our [Missouri Divorce Cost Estimator](/divorce-cost-estimator/missouri).

As a mid-size urban jurisdiction, Franklin County has a substantial family law caseload. This means more structured procedures and potentially longer wait times for hearing dates, but also a deeper pool of experienced family law attorneys and established mediation services in the Union area. The higher cost of living in Franklin County also tends to push attorney hourly rates above the statewide average.

Missouri follows equitable distribution of marital property under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 452.330, with the sole no-fault ground being that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" under § 452.320. Missouri imposes a mandatory 30-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. The state distinguishes between "marital property" (subject to division) and "separate property" (excluded), and the characterization of assets — particularly those with commingled separate and marital funds — is often the most litigated issue.

Missouri divorce law is governed by RSMo Chapter 452. The no-fault ground for divorce is codified in RSMo § 452.305 (irretrievably broken — no-fault ground). Residency requirements under RSMo § 452.305 (90-day state residency) must be met before filing, and RSMo § 452.320 (30-day minimum after filing). The divorce cost estimator below uses Missouri's actual filing fee data to help you project your total expenses in Franklin County.

Franklin County Court Information

The Franklin County Circuit Court, Probate Division is located at 400 E Main St, Union MO 63084. The court clerk can be reached at (636) 583-6355.

Visit the court's website for current forms, fee schedules, and filing instructions.

Office hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Divorce Filing Fees in Franklin County

Divorce filing fees in Missouri range from $133 to $250 (see RSMo § 488.012), with the exact amount varying by county. In Franklin County, the filing fee is paid at the Franklin County Circuit Court, Family Division in Union when you file the initial petition for dissolution of marriage. Contact the clerk's office for the precise current fee, as courts adjust their fee schedules periodically.

The filing fee is only the first cost. In Franklin County, you'll also pay for service of process (delivering papers to your spouse), which typically runs $30–$100 depending on whether you use the Franklin County sheriff's office or a private process server. Additional court fees may apply for motions, hearings, and certified copies of your divorce decree. Many Missouri courts also require a mandatory parenting education course if children are involved.

Missouri's filing fees are set by the circuit court in each county under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 488.012 and vary modestly by jurisdiction. The filing fee covers the petition for dissolution and associated documents. Missouri requires a mandatory 30-day waiting period after filing. The state's Self-Represented Litigant Coordinator program (available in many circuits) provides free procedural assistance, and Missouri's legal aid organizations offer pro bono representation for qualifying low-income individuals.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, the Franklin County Circuit Court, Family Division may grant a fee waiver. You'll need to file an application demonstrating financial hardship — typically showing income below 150% of the federal poverty level. Fee waivers cover the initial filing fee and may also waive service of process costs.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Franklin County

An uncontested divorce in Franklin County — where both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support — is significantly cheaper than a contested one. Total costs for an uncontested divorce typically range from $133–$250 (self-represented, filing fee only) to $1,500–$3,500 with a flat-fee attorney handling the paperwork and court appearances. Many couples in Franklin County complete an uncontested divorce in 2–4 months.

Contested divorces in Franklin County are substantially more expensive, typically costing $10,000–$30,000 or more per spouse. In this urban jurisdiction, attorney hourly rates tend to be higher ($250–$450/hour), and the busier court docket means cases may take 8–18 months to reach trial. Each court hearing, discovery request, deposition, and motion adds to the total. Property division disputes — especially involving real estate, business interests, or retirement accounts — and custody battles are the primary cost drivers.

About 95% of divorce cases nationwide settle before trial, and this holds true in Franklin County. Even cases that start as contested often reach agreement through negotiation or mediation. Starting with a realistic cost estimate helps you make informed decisions about when to negotiate and when to litigate.

Mediation and Alternatives in Franklin County

For Franklin County residents, mediation offers a middle path between a fully contested divorce and handling everything without professional help. A neutral mediator facilitates discussions about custody, support, and property division, helping spouses reach agreements that work for both sides. Typical mediation costs in the Union area range from $3,000 to $7,000 total, substantially less than the $10,000+ per side that a contested divorce often costs.

Franklin County's larger population base supports an active mediation community, with multiple certified family mediators practicing in the Union area. Some mediators specialize in high-asset cases, business valuations, or complex custody arrangements. The Franklin County Circuit Court, Family Division may also offer court-connected mediation services at reduced rates for qualifying families.

Missouri courts may order mediation in contested family law cases, and many circuits have local rules encouraging or requiring mediation before trial. Under Mo. R. Civ. P. 17.01, the court has broad authority to refer cases to ADR. The Missouri Bar's "Alternatives to Litigation" committee promotes mediation and collaborative law statewide. Many Missouri family courts maintain rosters of approved mediators with income-based fee scales.

Collaborative divorce is another alternative available in Missouri. In this process, each spouse hires a collaborative attorney, and all parties agree to resolve issues without going to court. While more expensive than mediation alone ($5,000–$15,000 per spouse), collaborative divorce is typically less costly and less adversarial than traditional litigation, and it keeps the decision-making power with the couple rather than a judge.

Attorney Fees for Divorce in Franklin County

Family law attorney rates in Franklin County typically run $200–$350 per hour, with initial retainers of $2,500–$7,500. Flat-fee arrangements for uncontested divorces are common ($1,200–$3,000), offering predictable costs. For contested matters, hourly billing is standard, and total attorney fees generally range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the issues in dispute and how long the case takes to resolve.

When hiring a divorce attorney in Franklin County, ask about their billing practices: hourly rate, retainer amount, whether the retainer is reimbursable, how often you'll receive invoices, and whether paralegal time is billed separately (typically at $75–$150/hour). Also ask about their experience with the Franklin County Circuit Court, Family Division specifically — familiarity with local judges, court staff, and procedures can meaningfully affect both cost and outcome.

If you cannot afford an attorney, Missouri legal aid organizations may provide free or low-cost representation for qualifying individuals. The Franklin County bar association may also offer a lawyer referral service with reduced-fee initial consultations. Many Union-area attorneys offer payment plans for divorce cases.

Missouri Divorce Law Overview

For a complete breakdown of Missouri divorce rules, filing fees, residency requirements, waiting periods, and property division procedures, see our [Missouri Divorce Cost Estimator](/divorce-cost-estimator/missouri).